Presentation proposals that are accepted will be posted here. To submit a proposal click here.

Presentations will consist of innovative advising ideas and practices from across the state, and will focus on students’ journey to success in higher education. “Students’ Road to Success: The Advising Journey to Oz” addresses very relevant elements of advising in terms of student issues and advisor approaches, theories, and practices.

• Students embark on an academic journey once they begin college. They face many challenges, decisions, and personal growth.
• The character Dorothy possesses homesickness, an emotion many students may feel in the first year of college, whether they are far from home or not.
• The scarecrow needed a brain. As students and advisors, we need to keep our brains powered, healthy, and growing. We can encourage our students to use their creativity, be proactive, participate in class, and join student organizations in an effort to keep growing. As advisors, we can enrich our minds by assessing, researching, and brainstorming new ideas for our advising approach.
• The Tin Man needed a heart. While we have to remain professional when working with students, we have to love what we do and put our hearts into helping our students. In turn, our hope is that all students will value their education and have an enriching academic experience.
• The Lion is distressed with cowardice and fear. Students face these emotions when they arrive at college for the first time, decide on a major, study for finals, and prepare for careers. By supporting our students, we can help them overcome obstacles and conquer their fears.
• When Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion finally reach the Wizard of Oz, they realize that he is merely mortal and cannot change them; he can provide wisdom and encouragement. Similarly, we can guide and support students through their academic journey on the road to success, but we cannot chose the path for them.